The quote "But I am not the mother of anybody's children, I said, and I am something" from Alice Walker's novel "The Color Purple" reflects a profound assertion of identity and self-worth. The character expresses a desire to be recognized as an individual beyond traditional roles. This statement underscores the theme of empowerment and the struggle for personal identity in a society that often confines women to motherhood and domesticity.

Through this declaration, Walker highlights the importance of self-definition and the rejection of societal expectations. The character asserts her individuality and acknowledges that she possesses intrinsic value beyond being a mother, signaling a critical moment of self-realization in the narrative. This powerful line encapsulates the overall quest for autonomy and dignity that permeates the novel.